NOPD Arrests 16 on Prostitution Charges in N.O. East

December 05, 2013

Seventh and Eighth District Police officers, as well as members of NOPD’s VICE Unit, arrested 11 women and 5 men after conducting a 6-week long undercover operation to identify prostitutes and their customers on Chef Menteur Highway.

The investigation was launched in October after police received multiple complaints from residents and business owners who noticed an uptick in what they suspected was prostitution all along Chef, from Downman Road to Read Boulevard. Seventh District detectives also recognized the need for the undercover operation after noticing a recent increase in crimes associated with prostitution, like illegal drug sales, armed robberies and shootings.

The first five weeks targeted actual prostitutes actively soliciting customers or “johns”. In the sixth week, officers did a “reversal operation”, in which female cops posed as prostitutes. In all, 11 women were arrested for prostitution, as well as five men for solicitation of prostitution. The investigation also netted two additional arrests on unrelated charges.

“This was outstanding work by the officers in the 7th District, 8th District and Vice Unit. A lot of people don’t recognize how many dangerous crimes go hand-in-hand with prostitution. Many Johns go back to motel rooms only to have guns pulled on them and their wallets taken from them. Others have been beaten up, or even shot”, said Superintendent Ronal Serpas.

“Our officers will continue to go undercover and conduct investigations like this to haul suspects in, and make the streets safer for the people of New Orleans”, Serpas said.

Those arrested for Prostitution:

40-year-old Irene Brooker

23-year-old Mary Rayford

27-year-old Lashay Wolf

31-year-old Tresscel Thomas

19-year-old Dominique Carney (arrested twice within 3 weeks)

21-year-old Ann Wymola

23-year-old Jennifer Hernandez

24-year-old Krishaune Hines

20-year-old Kristina Rogers

22-year-old Jasmine Heidlberg

23-year-old Ebonie Underwood

“Johns” Arrested in Reverse Operation

41-year-old Brian Oddo, arrested for solicitation of prostitution for sexual intercourse in exchange for monetary compensation.

37-year-old Victor Lopez, arrested for solicitation of prostitution for sexual intercourse in exchange for monetary compensation.

32-year-old Hernan Lopez, arrested for solicitation of prostitution for sexual intercourse in exchange for monetary compensation.

27-year-old Keith Brown, arrested for solicitation of prostitution for sexual intercourse in exchange for monetary compensation.

31-year-old Mauricio Rodriguez, arrested for solicitation of prostitution for sexual intercourse in exchange for monetary compensation.